The Advent Wreath

During this time of year we are blessed with beautiful images, some of which the deeper meaning goes unnoticed or forgotten. The Advent wreath is a circle of evergreens with four candles.

The first candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, and another candle is lit on the remaining three Sundays of Advent. The candles may be situated within the wreath or on a stand next to it.

The word Advent derives from the Latin word meaning coming. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The First Sunday in Advent began November 30, 2008. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, and therefore varies in length between 22 days and 28 days. (In 2008, it is 25 days long.)

The history of the wreath is hard to nail down, however it is widely believed to have pagan origins and Germanic roots. Many point to the pagan wheel of fire as the source of inspiration. Christians have adapted some of these traditions into their own services and customs.

Today, Sunday, December 14, 2008 marks the third week of Advent. Together, let's explore the beautiful symbolism of the Advent wreath.

The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. One tradition is that each week represents one thousand years, to sum to the 4,000 years from Adam and Eve until the birth of Jesus. Alternatively, it is simply a countdown of the four weeks of Advent.

The time-line between the birth and/or death of Jesus and Adam may be disputed, it is important to note that the symbolism is rich and Jesus remains centric.

Three candles are usually purple signifying penitence and one candle is pink. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of advent and signifies joy. The third week of Advent is sometimes referred to as Joyful Sunday.

Many proclaim the meanings of the candles are as follows:

First purple candle represents hope.

Second purple candle represents love. Some call this the Candle of Preparation.

The third candle, pink in color, represents joy.

Fourth purple candle is a symbol of peace.

A fifth white candle may be added signifying Christ and often lit on Christmas day.

Some Christians may differ as to the exact custom and meaning of the candles. I offer that they may not be wrong just different. Customs and traditions may vary from church to church and house to house.

It is also offered that the colors are not as important as the light of the candle. The path to His kingdom is lit among the darkness.

The circle represents eternity, no beginning or end.

The evergreen symbolizes growth and everlasting life.

For explanations of some common and not so common Easter symbols visit here.

On behalf of my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and may all of your Sundays during this Advent season and beyond be joyful ones.

Resources;

Church of Saint Rita

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/672625/easter_symbols.html?cat=74

http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0132.html

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